Tottenham loanee records clean sheet in Stoke's 1-0 victory | OneFootball

This Sunday, the 29th of December, there was action across England, not just in the Premier League, but also all across the English Football League.

As a result, both Ashley Phillips’ Stoke City, and Dane Scarlett’s Oxford United were in action – against Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle respectively.

To begin, Phillips was named in the starting XI for the first game in the post Narcis Pelach era.

The interim manager who selected him for the game is Ryan Shawcross, who was a centre half himself, who played against Spurs many times during his long time at Stoke as a player.

For this one, Phillips played in a back four – partnering Ben Wilmot – having played in a back three recently.

It would prove to be a frutiful day for the young defender, being replaced by Michael Rose after 85 minutes, with a clean sheet for himself in the bank.

Ashley Phillips shines as Stoke beat Sunderland

Stoke City FC v Sunderland AFC - Sky Bet Championship | Nathan Stirk/GettyImages

During the game, the 19-year old recorded; four clearances, two blocked shots, one tackle, 2/3 aerial duels won, and one foul drawn.

Things would get even better after the young Tottenham loanee, Phillips, was withdrawn. After a hard fought display for 90 minutes, Stoke got forward and a superb finish from the edge of the box would put them in front.

They would survive a late big chance from Sunderland, and hold on for an absolutely huge, and seriously impressive three points.

The perfect way to end 2024, both for Phillips and for Stoke. This win leaves them in 18th place in the Championship, with 25 points from their 24 games so far.

Next up is a tough away game away to Burnley on the 1st of January, which could be the defender’s final game for the club – should Spurs choose to recall him in the January transfer window.

It has certainly been a mixed spell at the Potters so far, but it has definitely been a good experience for the central defender.

Certainly better for his development than sitting on the bench at Spurs – albeit he probably would have got some game time of late.

That does come back into play here, though. If the club feel they need to recall him, and use him from January – he will be doing so with six months of game time under his belt, which puts him in better stead than coming out from the cold, and playing youth football.